Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Juicy Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe for Festive Feasts

Succulent pineapple glazed ham simmers gently in a crock pot, promising a mouthwatering centerpiece for any gathering.

Juicy layers of meat absorb sweet and tangy flavors during slow cooking.

Tropical notes from ripe pineapple complement the rich, savory protein perfectly.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness with this simple recipe.

Home cooks can easily impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Fragrant aromas will drift through your space, building anticipation for the first delectable bite.

Sweet-Savory Blend People Love in Pineapple Ham

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Dump ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making dinner a breeze without hours of hands-on cooking.
  • Impress with Minimal Effort: Create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet pineapple, rich brown sugar, and savory ham for a mouthwatering blend that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Gathering Centerpiece: Ideal for holiday meals, family dinners, or potlucks, this ham brings people together with its irresistible aroma and delicious taste.

Pineapple Ham (Crock Pot) Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:
  • Spiral Ham: Fully cooked ham with pre-cut slices for easy serving.
  • Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy fruit topping for the ham.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar, Honey: Creates a sweet and sticky glaze.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the glaze.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Cloves, Garlic Powder: Provides warm and aromatic flavor enhancement.

Steps for Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham

Step 1: Prepare Ham Placement

Gently place the fully cooked spiral ham flat-side down inside the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably without touching the sides.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Ground cloves
  • Garlic powder

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Coat Ham with Glorious Glaze

Slowly pour the prepared glaze over the ham, carefully allowing it to seep between the spiral slices for maximum flavor penetration.

Step 4: Add Fruity Topping

Scatter fresh pineapple chunks generously across the ham’s surface and sprinkle an additional layer of brown sugar for extra caramelization.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW temperature for 4-6 hours. Every hour, use a basting brush to coat the ham with the accumulated cooking juices.

Step 6: Optional Caramelization Technique

For a golden-brown finish, transfer the ham to a baking dish. Spoon remaining glaze and pineapple chunks on top. Broil for 5-7 minutes until edges become beautifully caramelized.

Step 7: Serve and Impress

Move the ham to a stunning serving platter. Drizzle with remaining glaze and arrange caramelized pineapple chunks around the ham for a show-stopping presentation.

Ham Glazing Tips That Work Wonders in the Crock Pot

  • Select the Right Ham: Choose a high-quality, fully cooked spiral ham to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness in your slow cooker.
  • Prevent Dryness: Baste the ham every hour with the cooking juices to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out during the slow cooking process.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for an extra layer of complexity and richness in the overall taste profile.
  • Adjust Sweetness Level: Reduce honey or brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet glaze, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
  • Maximize Leftovers: Shred remaining ham and use in sandwiches, salads, or breakfast scrambles for a delicious next-day meal solution.

Reheating and Storing Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham Leftovers

  • Store leftover ham in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the ham stays moist by covering with remaining glaze.
  • Wrap ham slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  • Slice ham, place on microwave-safe plate. Add splash of pineapple juice or glaze. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.

What Complements Pineapple Glazed Ham

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness to complement the ham's rich, fruity glaze and cut through its fatty richness.
  • Serve Alongside Zesty Potato Sides: Create roasted rosemary potatoes or creamy scalloped potatoes that balance the ham's sweet pineapple notes and provide a satisfying starchy contrast.
  • Match with Bright Green Vegetable: Prepare roasted asparagus or green beans with toasted almonds to add a fresh, crisp element that lightens the meal's heaviness and provides nutritional balance.
  • Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Pour chilled sparkling apple cider or a light-bodied prosecco to refresh the palate and echo the pineapple's tropical sweetness throughout the dining experience.

Pineapple Ham Twists

  • Citrus Zest Variation: Replace pineapple juice with orange or mandarin juice for a bright, tangy glaze that adds complexity to the ham's flavor profile.
  • Spicy Honey Glaze: Swap regular honey with hot honey and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to create a sweet-and-spicy coating that elevates the ham's richness.
  • Herb-Infused Option: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic touch that complements the ham's natural smokiness.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of Dijon mustard and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any fully cooked ham, but spiral-cut ham works best as it allows the glaze to penetrate between the slices more easily.

  • Is it safe to cook ham in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Since the ham is already fully cooked, the slow cooker helps to warm it through and infuse it with delicious flavors without drying it out.

  • Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?

No, the pineapple juice and ham’s natural juices provide enough moisture to keep the meat tender and prevent burning.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The ham can be cooked and kept warm in the slow cooker for serving later.

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Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe

Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Succulent Crock Pot Pineapple Glazed Ham delivers sweet tropical flavors that elevate your holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Juicy ham medallions dripping with caramelized pineapple glaze promise a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (6-8 lb) fully cooked spiral ham
  • 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Position the precooked spiral ham with its flat side facing downward inside the crock pot, allowing ample space for even heat distribution.
  2. Create a luscious glaze by thoroughly blending pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
  3. Generously cascade the prepared glaze over the ham, carefully guiding the liquid between each spiral slice to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Artfully distribute fresh pineapple chunks across the ham’s surface, then dust with an additional layer of brown sugar to enhance caramelization.
  5. Secure the crock pot lid and allow the ham to slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours, periodically redistributing the collecting juices over the meat to maintain moisture and intensify flavor.
  6. For an enhanced presentation, carefully transfer the ham to a broiler-safe dish, spooning accumulated glaze and pineapple pieces over the surface, then broil for 5-7 minutes to create a rich, golden-brown caramelized exterior.
  7. Gently plate the ham on a decorative serving platter, drizzling remaining glaze and arranging the caramelized pineapple chunks as an elegant garnish.

Notes

  • Select a fully cooked, high-quality spiral ham to ensure tender, juicy results with minimal cooking effort.
  • Adjust cooking time based on ham size, checking internal temperature reaches 140°F for optimal safety and flavor.
  • Customize glaze sweetness by balancing pineapple juice and brown sugar ratios to suit personal taste preferences.
  • For gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free Dijon mustard and verify ham’s ingredients are allergen-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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